Yoga for Your Health

There is a rhythm in the practice of yoga that offers
many beneficial results when done correctly. Performing
the asanas in the correct order is essential to finding
this rhythm and allowing the body to naturally flow from
one stage to the next, without interruptions or abrupt
leaps. The beginning pose should be the Corpse pose,
which should be repeated between other asanas and used
as the final relaxation method. The standard yoga pose
or the easy pose is a perfect energy recharge and is
also a good position for meditation. It is important
however, to mind the position of the back with this pose
and do not arch it. Continue with the warm up exercises
and try to relax the muscles of the neck. This is vital
because the neck is the upper point of the central
energy line of the body which is represented by the
spine. The shoulder lifts are the natural following
exercise and eye exercises can also be done to improve
overall eyesight and strength and to prevent exhaustion.
To further prepare for the more difficult asanas attempt
to practice the sun salutation pose, which will stretch
all of the major body muscles. Leg raises are great for
toning muscles and improving flexibility. The head stand
pose is great for resting specific body organs such as
the heart. A variation of this pose, the shoulder stand
is also beneficial to the spine and lower back muscles.

Bridge and plough
poses increase back flexibility and however difficult
they may look, both poses are manageable if gentle
movements are used. It is important to not become
discouraged if the perfect stance is not achieved in the
first number of attempts because it takes time to
develop the strength and flexibility required to execute
these poses. The bend pose is used to stimulate the
nervous system. The fish pose is also somewhat
acrobatic, but tones the chest muscles and the lungs.
Women suffering from menstrual problems may find the
cobra position helpful. This pose stimulates the pelvic
muscle and lower abdomen, improving circulation and
massaging the internal organs.

The locust pose will help strengthen the lower back and
also has positive effects on the abdominal muscles. This
pose will also help prevent constipation. The bow pose
will also help the back remain flexible and strong and
will also possibly reduce abdominal fat especially when
a proper diet is present. The half spine twist post can
be used to further exercise the spine and back.

The crow pose is great for joint and arm strength. This
pose also will help breathing as it forces the chest to
expand over time. Followed by the hands and feet pose
and the triangle, the asanas require the body to be
tested to its full strength and flexibility. The final
corpse pose allows the body to rest and replenish any
energy that may have been lost during the practice.